Top Sirloin Cap Steak

Flavor: 3 Out Of 5

Tenderness: 3 Out Of 5

Alternative Names: Coulotte Steak

The sirloin cap steak is a flat, triangular-shaped muscle that lies immediately over the top sirloin. This cut is an exceptional value and can be cut into narrow steaks or cooked whole. Though tender, it is lean and flavorful, there are a variety of ways in how to cook sirloin. The cap works well cut into large cubes for kabobs, stews, cut into strips for stir-fry and a steak sandwich recipe.

Also called coulotte steak, although tender and juicy is best marinaded or seasoned with a dry rub, before grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. Recipes for sirloin steak can be found in most cookbooks when beef is required.

Cooking Instructions (Grilling)

Thick Sirloin Cap Steaks

About 30-60 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator to bring to room temperature to allow the steak to cook more evenly and faster. Trim off any excess fat, but leave at least 1/4" of fat to keep juices from escaping. Season both sides with salt and pepper, you may also season with your favorite spices or marinate briefly if you wish.

If using a gas grill, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes with the lid down. This method of cooking works best with steaks that are 1 inch or thicker. Scrape the grill clean with a grill brush, leave one side on high and adjust the other side to medium heat.

The key to not overcooking a thick sirloin cap steak is to sear the steak on both sides. On the high temperature sear the steaks about 2 minutes on each side with the lid down.

Once the steaks are browned on both sides, slide them to the cooler part of the grill, continue grilling with the lid down to the desired doneness. For maximum flavor and tenderness cook to medium-rare (135 degrees) or to medium (145 degrees), anything more will begin to dry out the steaks.

When cooking with a charcoal grill, build a two level fire by stacking most of the coals on one side and the remaining coals in a single layer on the other side of the grill. This works the same way as the gas grill, searing the steaks for 2 minutes per side over the high coals and then sliding them to lower heat to finish. When grilling with charcoal keep the lid open.

Sear the sirloin cap steak on each side for 2 minutes on high heat, then move steaks to medium heat, continue cooking following the chart per minutes on each side on the medium heat until desired temperature is reached. For example a 1 inch steak grilled to medium-rare would be 4-5 minutes on each side after the initial searing on high heat.

Remove the steaks from the grill, tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes, this helps to redistribute and retain more juices when sliced and promote a more even color throughout the meat. The temperature of the steaks will rise about 5 degrees as they rest, remove the steaks 5 degrees before desired doneness.

Sirloin Cap Steak

Rare

Medium-Rare

Medium

Medium-Well

Well Done

1 Inch Steak

3-4 minutes

4-5 minutes

6-7 minutes

7-8 minutes

8-9 minutes

1.5 Inch Steak

5-6 minutes

6-7 minutes

8-9 minutes

10-11 minutes

11-12 minutes

Temperature

125-130 degrees

130-140 degrees

140-150 degrees

150-160 degrees

160-170 degrees

The above times are guide-lines, temperatures differ from grill to grill, do not judge a steaks doneness by minutes per side. You should always use and instant-read thermometer to check the doneness.

Thin Sirloin Steaks

A sirloin cap steak ½-¾ of an inch should not be seared on high heat, searing a thin steak will brown the exterior but quickly dry out through the center.

If using a gas grill, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes with the lid down. Scrap the grill clean with a grill brush, and adjust the heat to medium-high. Grill with lid down until nicely browned, turn over and continue to grill until the other side is browned. The interior will be cooked through, this method works best with moderately thin steaks.

For maximum flavor and tenderness cook to medium-rare (135 degrees) or to medium (145 degrees), anything more will begin to dry out the steaks. Remove the steaks from the grill and tent with foil for 5 minutes, this helps to redistribute and retain more juices when sliced and promote a more even color throughout the meat. The temperature of the steaks will rise about 5 degrees as they rest, remove the steaks 5 degrees before desired doneness.

Sirloin Cap Steak

Rare

Medium-Rare

Medium

Medium-Well

Well Done

1/2 Inch Steak

2 minutes

2-3 minutes

3-4 minutes

4-5 minutes

5-6 minutes

3/4 Inch Steak

2-3 minutes

3-4 minutes

4-5 minutes

5-6 minutes

6-7 minutes

Temperature

125-130 degrees

130-140 degrees

140-150 degrees

150-160 degrees

160-170 degrees

The above times are guide-lines, temperatures differ from grill to grill, do not judge a steaks doneness by minutes per side. You should always use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness.

Grilling Tips

Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of a steak. Stick the thermometer through the side of the steak deep into the meat but not touching the bone or fat.

For maximum flavor and tenderness cook to medium-rare (135 degrees) or to medium (145 degrees), anything more will begin to dry out the steaks.

Always let your steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting, to redistribute and retain more juices. The temperature of the steaks will rise about 5 degrees as they rest, remove the steaks 5 degrees before desired doneness.